MessengerMessengerTheMessengerMessengerEVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCEVOLUME 45 NUMBER 17 OCTOBER 3, 2007

Beyond Barriers:

Jesus’ journey through

the Church

2 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

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MessengerMessengerMessengerThe

EDITORTerry M. Smith

ASSISTANTEDITOR

Rebecca Buhler

MESSENGER SCHEDULE:No. 19 – November 1(copy due October 19)

editorials

A pastor is needed for Reserve Fellowship Chapel on Sioux Valley First Nation, about 45 minutes northwest of Brandon,

Man.An effective pastor

would follow and proclaim Jesus Christ, learn from the complex and some-times painful Canadian history of the Christian Church and First Nations, sensitively draw upon Da-kota language and culture, work for social change and justice, be in it for the long-term, and cooperate where possible with other denominations.

Have you ever met David and Mildred Pashe? They are leaders at Sioux Valley. Because of health reasons, though, they recently moved to Dakota Tipi (near Portage la Prairie, Man.). They were given public thanks during July’s conference council by church planting director Ward Parkinson. They deserve it.

Sioux Valley needs a pastor!I’ve had contact with Sioux Valley

congregation during the past decade, and have always been warmly welcomed. Like others before me, my car benefi ted from David Pashe’s help when it met the ditch

at what he has nicknamed Preacher’s Corner.

The congregation at Sioux Valley can grow. Another key need is for a youth worker to connect with youth and to cultivate an effective relationship with the band administration. Youth form a high percentage of First Nations communities; they need help and guidance.

Why go to Sioux Valley? Because the wider EMC has so much to learn as well as to share, and Sioux Valley has so much to give as well as to receive.

Will it be easy? No. Will it be worthwhile? Yes.

Will you go? Terry M. Smith

Thanksgiving and balanceGive me neither poverty nor riches,

but give me only my daily bread.Otherwise, I may have too much and

disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?”

Or I may become poor and steal,and so dishonour the name of my God.

Proverbs 30:8-9

Agur, who wrote this chapter of Proverbs, prays for balance in life. He seeks to be a person of integrity.

This wise man asks for help with a specifi c challenge in life: He prays for no more and no less than his daily bread.

Why? Agur fears that if he receives more than what is needed, he might forget the Lord; and if he receives less, he might be forced to steal to survive, and thereby shame the One whom he represents.

By global standards, we middle-class EMC members are among the rich. If we are like Agur, then many of us are at risk of disowning the Lord. Like the wise man, we have matters to pray about and to act upon this Thanksgiving season. One is fairness.

Did you know that I won the lottery? Yes, by being born to a middle-class Caucasian family in Canada. Unfair as it is, by birth I have been afforded opportunities and advantages that many people only dream about, including some other Canadians.

Perhaps, then, a balanced perspective includes being aware of life’s unfairness, the needs of others, and our responsibility “to act justly” (Micah 6:8).

Because when it comes to race and country, Christ has no favourites.

Terry M. Smith

Why go to Sioux Valley?

Because the wider EMC has

so much to learn as well as

to share, and Sioux Valley

has so much to give as well

as to receive.

MT

MT

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 3

coming eventsOctober 16Janz Team MinistriesCelebration BanquetFeaturing: Katie Hess, Mark Wiebe,John and Joyce DyckSteinbach EM ChurchSteinbach, Man.204-326-3064

October 19Going Barefoot: Entering a BraveNew World of CommunicationConference for communicators$80, students $40Canadian Mennonite UniversityWinnipeg, Man.204-487-3300

October 25Eden Foundation Fall BanquetAltona EMM ChurchAltona, Man.204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919www.edenhealth.mb.ca

November 1–4MEDA: Trust in a World of ChangeBusiness as a Calling 2007HiltonToronto, Ont.800-665-7026www.meda.org

November 2Eden Foundation Fall BanquetSteinbach Mennonite ChurchSteinbach, Man.204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919www.edenhealth.mb.ca

November 6–7Mennonite Identity inthe 21st CenturyDr. John D. RothLaudamus AuditoriumCanadian Mennonite UniversityWinnipeg, Man.204-487-3300

November 27–28Stronger TogetherInterchurch gathering for agencies and congregations engaged in mental health and disabilities issuesPre-conference to Canadian Mental Health AssemblyVictoria InnWinnipeg, Man.204-275-0394mcc.org/canada/health/conferences

November 30EMC Ministerial meetingBraeside EM ChurchWinnipeg, Man.204-326-6401

December 1EMC Conference Council meetingSt. Vital EMCWinnipeg, Man.204-326-6401

It is not only students who come, learn, and leave to minister. This year we have four new staff members joining the SBC family.

Rob Reimer sees his role as SBC president as an opportunity

to equip leaders for ministry. This has been a growing passion for him.

He left being senior pastor of Highland MB Church in Calgary, and previously pastored a church in Kansas and directed Winkler Bible Camp. He is completing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

What does Rob like about his responsibilities? “I enjoy leading an amazing team of dedicated and skilled faculty and staff who are passionately committed to equipping leaders for ministry.”

Dave Reimer has joined the faculty, and attributes his student days at SBC for developing spiritual foundations and ministry training. “I’ve been working for SBC ever since, as a board member, an unoffi cial recruiter, and a part-time teacher.”

Dave later obtained a Master of Di-vinity degree and pas-tored Callsbeck Fellow-ship Chapel (CMC) in Winnipeg. He is passion-ate about seeing church-es effectively bringing people to Jesus, thereby changing the world.

Dave says, “I love seeing the lights come on in the classroom” as students gain insights. He loves to mentor students

listening for God’s call on their lives “because so often I see parts of my story in theirs.”

Chrystie Kroeker Boggs joined the SBC team as library technician. She loves to learn, read, and be intellectually challenged. Working in an academic environment has been a desire and says working in a Christ-centred school is “icing on the cake!”

Chrystie graduated from the University of Winnipeg and honed her research skills at the University of Texas. “I am thrilled to share some of that knowledge with SBC students as they ask for help in the library.” She enjoys interacting with students and leaves work each day with a smile and the thought, “This is the best job ever.”

Darlene Friesen has moved from the desk of a student to one labelled Admissions Counsellor. Darlene re-turned to SBC after graduating this past spring, drawn by the atmosphere created by staff and faculty interaction she observed as a student.

Darlene looks forward to connecting with potential students, sharing with them how SBC changed her life. “I think it will be very exciting to see people choose to come to SBC,” she says.

We welcome these newest members, and ask you to pray for them as they become a part of God’s work here.

SBC

Four new staff at SBC

Chrystie Kroeker Boggs

Dave Reimer Rob Reimer Darlene Friesen

4 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 4 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

Everyone hungers for miracles.

What is the place of miracles in Islam? There are

shrine miracles, where the spirit of a buried saint lives on and intercedes for others. Many make pilgrimages for healing, a son, marriage, visas. This is common of folk religion anywhere in the world.

There are also miracles to prove one is a prophet of God. Some Arabs questioned Muhammad’s claim to inspiration. He challenged them to fi nd Arabic verses superior to Koranic verses. As the story goes, no literature was found or has been found that compares; it’s a literary miracle that the Koran cannot be imitated or matched.

The Arabic word for miracle comes from “to be weak.” Miracle means to weaken, to incapacitate. The Prophet, considered illiterate, uttered such beautiful, awe-inspiring Arabic in the Koran that any audience is rendered weak under its infl uence.

What is the miracle of the Christian faith that overwhelms others at its power? How do we prove that the way of Jesus is the only way? Debates? Programs? Community projects? Physical healing?

When the Church was born in Acts, something unique started: The miracle of a new tribe in Christ.

Excerpted and condensed

Beyond Barriers:

Issue of tribalismTribalism is a basic issue behind the world’s

crises.Rwanda haunts me—when Hutus and Tutsis, even

from the same church, slaughtered each other. “Hundreds of people, including men, women and children, fl ed to the church to seek refuge from genocide, believing the killers, many of whom were members of the congregation, could not touch them there,” says Bruce Bradshaw. But “the killers entered the church and killed everyone in it. More Rwandese died in churches and parishes than anywhere else” (Change Across Cultures).

Why such horrifi c bloodshed? In Somalia, Serbia, Croatia, and elsewhere—including North America—nations defend their tribe, whether or not they are right.

No one wants to be left out. If our identity lies with tribe, then we must build up our tribe in order to increase our nobility and signifi cance. Sadly, we also tear down the other tribes, who become the stranger, the enemy.

The world is returning to tribalism, with growing fanaticism that “my tribe is right.” I fi nd it deeply grievous that many in West have lost the ability of self-criticism and become tribal. How can we live beyond our tribes?

In 1989 we witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, which serves as a great metaphor. The Church is not only to translate God and to continue Christ, to walk humbly and take up the cross, or call individuals and cultures to change. The Church is to break down walls and build a new people!

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 5THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 5

Beyond Barriers: Jesus’ journey

through the Church

a proposal pleased the whole group “together” and the Word of God spread. There was a theological issue: (Acts 15:25): “It seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.”

In these references, the word “together” or phrase “one accord” (homo-thymadon) is used, which means same and passion. Suddenly, at Pentecost with coming of the Holy Spirit, there is a new spiritedness, a spontaneous coming together where tribal ties are broken. There’s an identity in Jesus Christ living in people’s lives. This is a team spirit, not based on race, jobs, interest groups, towns, languages, but “where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there!”

Suddenly, at Pentecost with coming of the Holy Spirit, there is a new

spiritedness, a spontaneous coming together where tribal ties are broken.

There’s an identity in Jesus Christ living in people’s lives. This is a team

spirit, not based on race, jobs, interest groups, towns, languages, but

“where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there!”

The miracle of a new tribeIn Acts 2:41–47 after Peter preached a

message and baptized several thousand persons, something new happened. The Church—a new tribe—was born. These people came from many different languages and tribes. They were Jews by background, but had lived for centuries as Medes, Elamites, Parthians, Arabs, Cretes, Egyptians, and Libyans. Part of their identity, pride, belonging, security was in their tribe.

A few had already joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14) and celebration (Acts 2:1). When Pentecost came, they were all were together in one place. Now, several thousand began to meet together everyday (Acts 2:46). When they faced threats and persecution, they raised their voices “in one accord” in prayer (Acts 4:24). They shared together fi nancially (Acts 4:32).

They gathered together regularly for meetings (Acts 5:12). In one management meeting (Acts 6:5)

6 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

The mark of a ChristianThe Church is the universal tribe, the new

people of God infused with God’s Spirit. There is love, not simply one-on-one, but a gathering of “people who were not my people,” who used to be strangers and enemies.

The Church is the miracle of Christianity. It proves the Christian faith is legitimate, genuine, from God, of the Holy Spirit—a power that breaks tribal and linguistic barriers. If we cannot demonstrate this kind of universalism, we have no right to invite people to the Church. If we continue to erect walls, we might as well go home!

In Acts it took time and hard teaching for it to sink in. Samaritans were a despised people. Jews prayed that no Samaritan would be raised at the Day of Resurrection! But Peter saw what Philip accomplished through Spirit of God (Acts 8). When Peter laid hands on those who had believed and the Spirit came upon them, he was shocked. Two despised clans were now in one body together.

A strict Jew wouldn’t be a guest in a Gentile house, nor invite a Gentile to his home. Jews viewed Gentiles as unclean. Gentiles retaliated, mocking Jews for circumcision, Sabbath day, worship of an invisible God, and abstaining from certain foods. Then came Christ with the Kingdom of God, making them into one new man. In Acts 1:8 Jesus meant nations to be included.

It took a vision of “holy cloth” let down by four corners—four corners of the earth from where every nation comes (Acts 10)—for Peter to realize that God is no respecter of persons; he saw Gentiles receive the same gift of the Spirit. At conference council, the Holy Spirit came on the Church: “So, then God has granted the “nations” (strangers, outsiders) repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).

Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9–10 to those who are scattered throughout Asia Minor from many different tribes: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of who called you of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.”

This is the miracle, our witness: A people of God, a new tribe based on totally different identity and roots, a new constitution in Jesus Christ. Modern states through the League of Nations as well as the United Nations have tried to bring tribes together. As a people of Christ, we must do this through the Church!

New believers from any culture must experience the miracle of fellowship, togetherness, a sense of being a people, spontaneously being of one accord, a new team spirit.

The Church’s task is not complete till we see fellowships like this develop.

EM Cup Hockey TournamentT. G. Smith Rec Centre

Steinbach, Man.November 9–11, 2007

Final: Sunday, 2 p.m., Centennial Rink $2 final admission (for Hockey Ministries

International)Referees needed, certification preferred.

Referees contact Sheldon Penner 204-326-6089.

Teams contact Colin Loewen, caloewen@mts.net, 204-346-1380 (home), 204-371-9048 (work).

This is the miracle, our witness: A people of

God, a new tribe based on totally different

identity and roots, a new constitution in

Jesus Christ. New believers from any culture

must experience the miracle of fellowship,

togetherness, a sense of being a people,

spontaneously being of one accord, a new

team spirit.

MT

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 7

I cannot forget an incident I recently witnessed in a grocery store.

An elderly, crippled little lady with a walker containing a few items turned into a checkout when

two young boys rushed past her. She in a quiet voice said, “I was here fi rst.” The boys looked at her, when their dad, who was coming up, said, “No, we were here fi rst.”

Poor lady, I thought, but then I said to myself, Poor boys. Not only did their dad fail to teach them to respect the elderly, but also indicated to them that the truth can be bent if it’s to your advantage.

God’s Word has something to say to us regarding the elderly and/or widows. In Leviticus 19:32 we read, “Rise in the presence of the elderly, show respect to the elderly, and revere your God.” Exodus 22:22 says, “Do not take advantage of the elderly.” Isaiah 1:17, “Plead the cause of the widow.” And Proverbs 3:18 tell us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

According to these verses we have an awesome responsibility toward the elderly.

I think we also need to be a strong link between the elderly and our youth in word and deed.

With today’s scientifi c advances and medical miracles, people live longer. Are we as Christians contributing to making these added years good years for them?

We applaud the government for caring for our seniors with a pension, subsidized housing, and Medicare, but monetary things are not all they need.

The care they get at various institutions and care homes may be good, the food healthy, the rooms clean, but what if they’re removed out of their community? They have contributed so much to family, church, community, and paid taxes for years. Does that not count for anything?

Often the elderly will say, “We have it so good” or “We have much to be thankful for.” Yet loneliness is the one thing that many will say is the most diffi cult about growing

A reader’s viewpoint

Poor lady? No, poor boys! Bettie Kehler

Next to loneliness many elderly may face doubts and fears about what may be lying ahead of them. How will their earthly pilgrimage end?

old. We have neatly settled them into that senior’s apartment or care home where they’ll be well taken care of, and we have left. Or have we?

How fast a day, a week, or even a month goes by when we’re busy. Even a two-hour movie goes by so fast. But have you ever thought of visiting a lonely senior together with your children?

Next to loneliness many elderly may face doubts and fears about what may be lying ahead of them. How will their earthly pilgrimage end? Will they suffer long? Will their family or doctor consider euthanasia as an option? Will there be someone to “speak up for them when they cannot speak for themselves” anymore?

In our modern society, where we seem to have it all and know it all, do we tend to forget the wisdom and knowledge of our elderly, the invaluable things they have taught us, and the sacrifi ces they made for us?

Rather than forgetting, may we be found faithful in giving respect, dignity, honour, love, and security to our elderly at any cost.

Bettie Kehler is part of Blumenort EMC. Bettie and Peter Kehler have worked both with youth and elderly.

MT

8 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

with our missionariesPauingassi

Baseball was a hit!When I saw the people God had brought

together for this camp at Pauingassi in northern Manitoba I felt so privileged. I am always so encouraged when I see how the Lord works to put together the right team to minister together with their various unique gifts and special abilities.

This year the team was Roger and Cheryl Harder (Blumenort EMC) with their three children, Tashima, Nathaniel and Tyrell; Walter and Winnie Fehr with their daughter Tanya; and myself.

Our daily schedule included vacation Bible school and baseball. Some evenings we showed a movie. Ladies from Grant Memorial Baptist Church had prepared gift bags to give to the families on the reserve (cloth bag containing things like soap, tea, socks, facecloth, an Our Daily Bread booklet, Granola bar, candy).

Cheryl, Winnie, and I went out to meet the families with a gift in our hands. This was a very rich experience for us to get into the individual homes. We were welcomed into the homes and people were cheered up with these gifts. What a wonderful way to meet the people in the community.

We were also granted the use of a

The Pauingassi team: Albert Martens, Winnie Fehr, Tanya Fehr, Roger Harder, Tyrell Harder, Cheryl Harder, Nathaniel Harder, Tashima Harder, and Walter Fehr.

Tanya Fehr and Tashima Harder with children

barbecue and with Roger as barbecue chef we prepared hot dogs for the community one day. Since not everyone came to us, Tanya and Tashima packed up prepared hotdogs and went to the baseball field where a tournament was taking place and did the hotdog routine. They took three trips. The ball players and fans were happy to receive free refreshments.

The ballpark was busy that week. We taught them baseball skills and drills and

then they also wanted to play ball. The local team was also hosting a tournament during part of that week, so other teams were in the community as well—from Bloodvein, Man., and Poplar Hill, Ont.

Wow, some of those guys can hit that ball! We saw several home runs. It was a good class of slo-pitch ball and enjoyable to watch. We were also able to connect with several players and they invited us to bring a team as well.

DVBS was well organized by Winnie

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 9

Since the tragic death of six-year-old Adam Keeper, Pauingassi First Nation has been under media scrutiny. Although a troubled image has emerged, Mennonite Church Canada workers believe there is reason for hope and that understanding cultural issues will lead to greater compassion for the community.

Located 280 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, Pauingassi’s people remained undisturbed for decades. When the outside world found it, the community was unable to handle the jarring contrasts.

Neill von Gunten, co-director of Mennonite Church Canada Native Ministry, quotes Chief Dan George: “My people have come further in history than almost any culture on earth. They have come from the bow and arrow stage to the computer to the space age and it’s all happened in my lifetime.”

Henry and Elna Neufeld have been connected with Pauingassi since 1955, when community elders invited them to build a school. Over 15 years the Neufelds became a part of the community, teaching and building a solid church core while respecting traditional ways.

Even after Neufelds returned to Winnipeg, they maintained strong ties with Pauingassi, describing it as

Hope and understanding for Pauingassi“home.” Recent media coverage hurt them deeply. “We love the people,” Elna said. “They are our best friends.” Although alcoholism is the largest problem there, they point out that not everyone has a problem.

Luke and Angie Enns joined Neufelds in Pauingassi this summer for a five-day Vacation Bible School. “Anyone who thinks they know something about Pauingassi will tell you that this place is like hell,” he wrote recently. “But it’s not. It’s a community. And anyone prepared to let their guard down with these people will see this.”

Neill von Gunten is keenly aware of the impact white culture can have

on traditional roles. As fishing and trapping became less viable, people searched for meaning and purpose. When alcoholism appeared, traditional community-shared responsibility for parenting failed.

Eric Kennedy, the supervisor of Child and Family Services at Pauingassi, is convinced women will spur change. Since Adam Keeper’s death, women created a community response team. They patrol the area in the evenings, gathering children and taking them home. Kennedy and his wife, who is also a social worker, will train them to respond to crises.

Kennedy is concerned about Pauingassi’s media portrayal, because of recent positive changes. Since he arrived three years ago, solvent abuse has disappeared. The number of youth seeking a high school education has risen from two or three to 36. He attributed these dramatic shifts to the process of building relationships.

Kennedy suggests that the most important assistance any outsider can give to Pauingassi is their time and presence.

Neill von Gunten agrees. He quotes, “Don’t walk ahead of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead, but just walk beside me and be my friend.”

MC Canada

Theological journal still needs submissions!

Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education invites essays, book reviews, and articles for consideration within its third issue.

Editor Darryl Klassen, senior pastor at Kleefeld EMC, can be contacted at 204-377-4773, kemc@mts.net, or Box 344, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0. Essay length is a maximum of 3,500 words.

The Journal is a way to see EMC discussion and education in print. The payment is to see EMCers listening to Scripture and to each other.

and the children were well behaved with good participation in the crafts. This was also a highlight for the children this week.

Tuesday evening we attended their church service. It began around 8 and it was over once everyone had shared—which was at 10:30.

We left this community on Saturday—and we were changed. All of us were affected by what we saw and what we felt for these people. Each one of us had our own unique experience to think through.

We were moved in our hearts and we went away loving the people of Pauingassi. Above all, we know that Jesus loves them much more than we do and He hurts even more when they are hurting. He died for all of us to meet our needs.

Albert Martens

Albert Martens (Steinbach EMC) serves with Athletes in Action.

Five-year-old Linden Owen was one of about 35 children who participated in week of Vacation Bible School.

(photo by Henry Neufeld)

10 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

Spring comes suddenly once the ice is off Moak Lake. A young family of loons swims sedately across the still water. A short distance away a beaver industriously pushes a log toward the dam it is building. Summer will be short and there is an urgency to make use of every day. It may be quiet now, but shortly the volunteer groups will come to clean, paint, and repair the Midway Bible Camp.

And then the Bible camp begins. The grounds are alive with children! Kids swinging, swimming, tipping canoes, fi shing, and singing. The chapel rings with young voices praising the Creator. Quietly, one by one, they decide whether they want to have Jesus be the Lord and Saviour of their lives. The songs encourage them to grow in the Lord. They sing, “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!” This is Bible camp and it is not possible without a dedicated and capable staff.

Northern Manitoba

The grounds are alive with children!Young people and older people came

to serve. We praise the Lord for Peter and Kristin Serger who have joined Continental Mission full-time. Together with Morgan and Christa Serger (yes, the men are brothers) they directed the Camp.

Our core of summer workers was small, and that is why we are so thankful for the three church youth groups that came to help. Gospel Fellowship Church and Stony Brook Fellowship came from Steinbach, as well as the Braeside EMC youth (Winnipeg). The latter group came for a longer time and also had Kids’ Rallies during two weekends.

An outgrowth of the Steinbach Bible College Mission Exposure was that several students came with their families to have Kids’ Rallies in different communities: Thompson, Thicket Portage, and Nelson House. Many children, including the

New missionaries: Peter and Kristin Serger with Roain. Sergers want to work with youth in Thompson and surrounding communities.

The Camp is quiet once more. The campers have gone home with the songs of praise still ringing in their ears, and the lessons from God’s Word tucked into their memories. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them in right living and bring them back again next summer.

256 Campers at Midway, heard of Jesus’ love.

Lynn Lake also had a week of camp and a weekend Teen Retreat, bringing the total number of campers to 301.

The Camp is quiet once more. The campers have gone home with the songs of praise still ringing in their ears, and the lessons from God’s Word tucked into their memories.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them in right living and bring them back again next summer. Pray that we will not have to turn away any children or teens next year because of staff shortages.

Anna Penner

Anna Penner and her husband Bill (Ridgewood) serve with Continental Mission in northern Manitoba. They live in Thompson.

Has your congregation used it?$2.50 per bookfor EMCers

Call or e-mail to order your copies today: 204-326-6401; emcmessenger@mts.net

A 13-lesson study booklet that explores our wider role as Christians, with a striving for social justice as a biblical task.

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 11

with our churches

birthsweddings

Kleefeld, Man.: A group of ladies from Kleefeld church got more excitement than they planned for when they went on a camping trip to Lone Island Lake at the end of June.

On Friday night they drove to the lake in the Whiteshell area, then canoed across the lake to a site where they set up camp. Many of the women had little canoeing experience, so this as already quite an accomplishment.

The next morning they set out on a trip that ended up taking most of the day, and the women were exhausted and sunburned by the time they returned to camp for supper. The weather had been hot and humid, and the women realized they would likely be in for a storm that night. However, they were unprepared for the ferocity of the storm when it hit.

The wind battered their tents, causing the poles to flex almost to the ground. Women in each tent could hear trees crashing down, but were unable to hear women in the next tent. One tent lost its fly, allowing the rain to come pouring in, but the other tent fared much worse.

A tree crashed down onto the tent, injuring two of the women inside. They managed to fight their way out of the collapsed tent to the one that was still standing. The entire group huddled in that one tent, soaked to the skin, praying that God would keep them safe. God answered their prayers, and the wind and rain eventually died down without causing more damage than was already done.

Trees crash, but Lord protectsAs soon as it was light, the group

start to pack up what was left of their campsite. Thankfully, their canoes were all unharmed, but the sky was still menacing and the water too choppy to head back across the lake to their vehicle. They prayed for God’s guidance about whether to go or wait, and God clearly answer their prayers.

All at once, the clouds rolled away, the winds died down, and the women

Jodi Bartel, Merle Plett, Kerri Schroeder, and Irene Ascough wait for firefighters to clear the roadway that was blocked after the previous night’s storm in the Whiteshell.

jumped into their canoes, still praying that the weather would hold until they completed the one-hour trip across the lake. Just as they approached the other side, the wind and the waves started up again, but by that time the group had reached the sheltered water, amazed at God’s perfect timing.

The women loaded the canoes and their gear onto the trailer, and were thankful to be on their way home, or

so they thought. A number of larger trees were blocking the road and the group settled down to wait until firefighters came with chain saws and heavy equipment to clear the way.

As they eventually got on their way again, they were astonished to see the extent of the storm. Hundreds of trees were down, and the women again thanked God for keeping them safe. Though many of the women admitted that the storm was one of the scariest things they had ever experienced, they were also grateful for God’s goodness in answering prayer.

Kerri Schroeder

MARTENS – KRAUSE: Abe Martens and Mary Krause were married on September 23, 2007, in Niverville, Man.

MARTENS – SIEMENS: Andrew, son of Cornie and Kathy Martens, and Jeri, daughter of Cliff and Sally Siemens of Roseisle, Man., were married on September 8, 2007, at Morden EMM Church, with Pastor Kelly Lesser of Roseisle officiating. The couple lives in Miami, Man.

PETERS – MYERS: Deric, son of Frank and Annie Peters of Roseisle, Man., and Ashley Myers were married on September 15, 2007, in Roseisle, Man., with Pastor Kelly Lesser of Roseisle officiating. The couple lives in Roseisle.

ZACHARIAS – PEACOCK: Nathan Joel of Calgary, Alta., son of Ken and Val Zacharias of Kleefeld, Man., and Janet Lynn of Edmonton, Alta., daughter of Wes and Katie Peacock of Red Deer, Alta., were married on July 14, 2007, in Edmonton. The couple lives in Calgary.

FRIESEN – to Calvin and June Friesen of Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Jessica June, on August 28, 2007.

FUNK – to David and Kendra Funk of Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Abigail Elise Salome, on August 16, 2007.

NEUFELD – to Johan and Leanne Neufeld of Winnipeg, Man., an adopted daughter, Ella Rose, on August 26, 2007.

DYCK – to Ken and Monica Dyck of Vanderhoof, B.C., a son, Jesse Owen, on September 8, 2007.

DYCK – to Kevin and Verna Dyck of Vanderhoof, B.C., a son, Jasyn William, on September 17, 2007.

ZACHARIAS – to Jared and Dwylla Zacharias of Lethbridge, Alta., a daughter, Risa Danae, on September 3, 2007.

WILLMS – to Topher and Jeannie Willms of Pincher Creek, Alta., a daughter, Nelia Rayne, on August 14, 2007.

They prayed for God’s guidance

about whether to go or wait, and God clearly answer their prayers. All at once,

the clouds rolled away, the winds died down, and

the women jumped into their canoes.

12 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

Roseisle, Man.: On June 11 we held our Sunday School Picnic on the grass field behind the church. During the morning service, every class prepared an item to share with the rest of the congregation—from skits and stories to leading worship.

As was appropriate for the day, Pastor Kelly Lesser preached on raising, teaching, and disciplining children. We had an afternoon of races, group games, treats, and fellowship. It started out as a beautiful day and then we all moved indoors as rain clouds came (except for those who decided to play soccer and get wet).

As a congregation, we welcomed new members into the church on August 19. We held the baptismal service at Stephenfield Lake, where Lucas

Picnic and baptisms

Sunday School Picnic fun

New members: In baptism Lucas Klassen, Travis Friesen, Robin Siemens, and Rebecca Peters publicly made the decision to live for the Lord and in obedience to Him. Faye Wieler became a member by transfer.

Klassen, Travis Friesen, Robin Siemens, and Rebecca Peters publicly made the decision to live for the Lord and in obedience to Him. Faye Wieler was also welcomed into our church through membership transfer.

It is exciting to see the commitments these people have made and their desire to use the gifts God has given them. We look forward to their involvement in the church and in God’s Kingdom!

Pam Dyck

Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): It is so awesome to have new people joining our church, and on May 27, we had five baptisms and one membership transfer. Frank Wiebe, Susie Voth, John Banman, Peter Banman, and Elfreida Banman were all baptized and received into membership, and Elma Banman transferred. Pastor John Driedger led the service that morning. We are excited to receive these new members and trust they will be excited to worship at RFC.

June 3 we held our summer Sunday school picnic at the Rosenort Community Centre. Kids enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, air bouncers and (of course) the races. Adults enjoyed the food, amazing race, food, and baseball. And just when your stomach recovered from lunch, the roll kuchen and watermelon came out.

Adults also had a chance to dethrone last year’s sprint champion, but to no avail. I was tied with Stefan Kornelsen until they said go, and then he pulled away. We had a warm and mostly sunny day for the picnic.

Baptisms, picnic, and camp

It is exciting to see the commitments these people

have made and their desire to use the gifts God has given them.

Living Fountain Bible Camp kicked off on August 5 at Beaver Creek Bible Camp, north of Riverton. The camp runs for two weeks with ages ranging from eight to 15.

Camp is always an exciting time both for campers and staff. It plays such an important role in the spiritual well-being

Baptism and membership transfer: (front) Tina Driedger, Elma Banman, Suzy Voth, Elfreida Banman, (back) Pastor John Driedger, John Banman, Frank Wiebe, Peter Banman.

of our children. If you get the chance to send your children or grandchildren, I highly recommend it. They will get to know other kids, counselors; and, most importantly, get to know Jesus in a deeper way.

Ryan Friesen

Camp is always an exciting time both

for campers and staff. It

plays such an important role in the spiritual well-being of our children.

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 13

The Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe is alive and strong. It has capable leaders. It is providing for future leadership. Its four-day annual conference with the theme, Keeping our faith in times of trouble was a model of hope. The people are resilient, wise, hard-working, joyful, patient, and gracious. They say of themselves, “We are surviving.”

These are observations of the eight-member, international Koinonia Delegation sent to Zimbabwe by MWC from August 17–26.

The delegation found a country in escalating crisis, with overwhelming shortages of food, water and fuel, power outages, inflation variously reported from 5,000 to 7,000 percent, record unemployment, and low salaries. Many people with jobs choose between paying for transportation or buying food. So they walk up to 20 kilometres one way.

Teachers, paid the equivalent of $18 per month, are leaving. Drugs are in short supply. People wait to get water and to buy staples, with no guarantees. Many stores are bare or sparsely stocked, but owners keep them open so they don’t lose their vendor’s licence. Some families don’t eat for three days.

The quality of education is dropping. Hungry children fall asleep in class. Some schools operate without desks or chairs, with few textbooks, paper, or pencils.

At the thirty-second annual BIC conference at Matopo Mission on August 22–26, organizers expected fewer than 2,000 people, but 3,600 came. The electricity went out. Many people did not have a meal the first night or the next morning. Water pumps didn’t work, creating a sanitation problem. By the second day, the cooking situation was resolved. People hauled in wood and 25 huge outdoor cooking pots to cook beef and mealie-meal.

For the first time, workshops were offered. Delegation members led workshops on conflict transformation, leadership development, and HIV/AIDS. Danisa Ndlovu, bishop of the BICC and president-elect of MWC, preached the conference sermon on “Keeping our faith in difficult times.”

MWC delegation sees crisis, hope in Zimbabwe

Introducing the Koinonia team members at General Conference: Mesach Krisetya (Indonesia), Pascal Kulungu (DR Congo), John Byers (USA), Dan and Yvonne Snider Nighswander (Canada/South Africa), interpreter (name unknown), Beatriz Barrios (Uruguay), Barbara Kaercher (Germany).

Yet one congregation supports 300 orphans and widows, churches care for many internally displaced people, and there are plans to plant churches and to increase educational institutions. Many people pray to attend the MWC assembly in Paraguay in 2009.

The church has a clear sense of needing to speak to government on behalf of the people but agrees that public challenges and loud protests will only result in more harshness. They have little faith that the election in 2008 will resolve anything.

Pastors requested that the delegation share what they have observed and pray for the people of Zimbabwe, for early

and good rains, that God will soften the heart of the country’s president and that peace and justice will come.

The delegation presented a gift of $15,000, which the church decided to use for relief. Government restrictions apply on importing goods and money. However, Larry Miller, MWC general secretary, said MWC wants to help further.

On his return, Pakisa Tshimika said he felt exhausted from observing the pain in the eyes of Zimbabweans he loves.

MWC, Ferne Burkhardt and Koinonia members

Many people with jobs choose between paying for transportation or buying food. So they walk up to 20 kilometres one way. Yet one congregation supports 300 orphans and widows, churches care for many internally displaced people, and there are plans to plant churches and to increase educational institutions.

Koinonia delegation member Pascal Kulungu (left) and store owner between empty shelves in a SaveMor food store in Bulawayo.

(photo by Barbara Kaercher)

14 THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007

Steinbach Bible College will offer the intensive weekend course Body Image and Eating Disorders from November 15–17. Janice Priess, a counsellor and educator, with a master’s degree in counselling psychology from Providence Theological Seminary, will teach.

The course answers two questions: What does it mean to have a positive body image, and how do eating disorders develop?

“Whether you’re working with young adults, or living with them, these are important questions to answer,” says Priess, “as poor body image can lead to not only eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, but can affect how a person sees themselves interacting in the world.”

The course is intended to equip students to better help those struggling with body image and eating disorders.

Classes run on Thursday and Friday evenings (November 15 and 16) from 7–9:45, and all day Saturday (November 17) from 9–4 at the SBC campus.

SBC will offer another intensive weekend course during the second semester: Micro-Church Youth Ministry in a Mega-Church World. Tim Houck, with 14 years of youth ministry, will teach.

For information or to register, please contact SBC at 204-326-6451 or register online at www.sbcollege.ca.

SBC

The Martyrs’ Mirror, a book first published in 1660 that documents stories of Christian martyrdom, generates lively theological discussions at a Shiite Muslim college in Iran.

“Wow, we thought it was only the Shiite who had so many martyrs,” is the first response of many students who read the book, said Hajj Muhammad Legenhausen, a professor at the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute in Qom, Iran.

This interest in Christianity, he said, stems from an unusual student exchange program initiated in 1998 by MCC that

Arli Klassen has been chosen as the next binational executive director of MCC, taking leadership of the organization’s work in more than 50 countries.

She has served for 16 years with MCC in Africa, U.S., and Canada—including eight years in her current service as executive director of MCC Ontario.

Klassen earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

John D. Roth, history professor at Goshen College, will speak on Mennonite Identity in the 21st Century at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Man., on November 6 and 7, 2007.

Roth is presenting the John and Margaret Friesen Lectures in Anabaptist/Mennonite Studies.

His topics are: Do Denominations Have a Future? The Challenge of Mennonite Identity in the 21st century (Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.), Who Do You Say that I Am? Telling the Mennonite Story in a Pluralistic World

SBC offers class on Eating Disorders

Arli Klassen appointed overall director of MCC

Iranian Muslim students eager to study Mennonite history

Ed Martin, MCC Iran consultant, and Hajj Muhammad Legenhausen at an interfaith peace building conference in Waterloo, Ontario.

makes it possible for North American students to study at the university in Qom and Iranian students to study at the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre, a part of the Toronto School of Theology.

This exchange program, along with three interfaith dialogue conferences between Muslim and Mennonite theologians, helps Iranians see “another view of Christianity” that is often not portrayed by the media, said Legenhausen in a telephone interview when he visited the MCC offices in Akron, Pennsylvania in August.

MCC

Arli Klassen

Dr. John Roth to address Mennonite identity

and Religious Studies from her studies at Mennonite Brethren Bible College and the University of Winnipeg.

She and her husband Keith Regehr are members of Breslau Mennonite Church in Breslau, Ontario. They have two daughters who are both university students in Ontario.

Klassen is expected to replace Bert Lobe, MCC’s interim executive director, by next spring.

MCC

(Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m.) and The Beauty of Holiness: Worship and the Future of Mennonite Ethics (Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.).

These lectures are free and will be held in Laudamus Auditorium.

The event is co-sponsored by CMU, Mennonite Heritage Centre, and Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies. Roth is director of the Mennonite Historical Society and editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review.

MHS

THE MESSENGER October 3, 2007 15

RiveRton Gospel Chapel in the town of Riverton in Manitoba’s interlake is ready to accept a full-time pastor. We are a congregation of about a hundred attendees in a sunday morning service. We are an energetic group, with a good representation of all age groups, and a diversity of vocation. You may direct inquiries to Waldon plett (204-378-2975, weplett@lakenet.ca) or Brad Kornelsen (204-378-2329).

EndEavour FEllowship Chapel in east-central saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor. we have a fairly young congregation consisting of 18–20 families, with about 16 children in sunday school. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

ARe You an enthusiastic couple called by God to serve in full-time ministry? Hillside Christian Fellowship (eMC) seeks a pastor to serve in full-time ministry with a part-time emphasis on youth. We are a family oriented rural church located in the heart of a farming community 20 minutes south of la Crete, Alta. our average attendance is about 60 people. Musical ability is an asset. Contact Johnny Wieler at 780-928-3880 or email Avll@siscanada.ca.

pElly FEllowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth worker or couple to develop a program for youth and junior youth. pFC is a small church in the village of pelly, located in central sask., close to the Manitoba border. applicants need to have a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a sense of God’s call on their life. he/she will need to be flexible, have strong communication, organizational, relational and leadership skills, as well as being self-motivated. Music skills would be an asset. submit resume to pastor John Froese, Box 70, pelly, sK s0a 2Z0. phone 306-595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com.

FisH CReeK Christian Fellowship (a nine-year-old eMC congregation meeting in south Calgary) is seeking a bi-vocational senior pastor to begin this summer or fall. We currently have about 40 people attending, and our aim is to reach the lost in our area.

We are looking for an organized, self-motivated candidate with a strong pulpit ministry and gifts in evangelism, discipleship and visionary leadership for church re-planting.

For details and discussion please contact Dean Buhler, 1452 lake sylvan Dr se, Calgary, AB t2J 3C8. phone 403-271-5171 or e-mail kbuhler1@telus.net.

EdEn hEalTh Care services, based in winkler, Man., seeks a chief executive officer. EhCs is owned by Manitoba Mennonite Churches. Eden provides acute and community mental health recovery services in collaboration with our faith constituencies, local communities, and the regional and Manitoba health authorities. it has 140 employees with a budget of nearly $10 million.

The candidate: a visionary, strategic leader, planner and team-builder capable of supervising and directing all aspects of the Eden group of mental health, residential, vocational employment, counseling, and community development

programs. an understanding and affirmation of anabaptist faith and values is essential.

Qualifications: relevant university education or equivalent training, strong management and communications skills, a minimum of five years of related experience, demonstrating an understanding of healthcare management and supporting partners and constituencies.

submit resumes by october 15, 2007, to search Committee Chair, John Janzen, EhCs, Box 129, winkler, MB r6w 4a4, fax: 204-325-8742, email: jajanzen1@hotmail.com.

tHe eMM Conference seeks a full-time executive director in its Winnipeg, Man., office. Duties and Responsibilities: participate with the General Board in the preparation of the Ministry plan; develop action plan to achieve results; manage staff resources to carry out the Conference’s mandate, report on Conference activities to the General Board; communicate, reporting, and interact with the Council, General Board, and Regions; ensure appropriate systems and process are in place to carry out mandate of the Conference in all required areas including operations, financial management, internal controls, compliance with taxation and other regulatory agencies and risk management; and other matters as determined from time to time or directed by the General Board.

Qualifications and Attributes: experienced leader with demonstrated capabilities of working with multiple priorities; strong communication and organizational skills to work effectively with the council, general board, regions and staff; and collaborative approach to build consensus on matters while staying focused on achieving the desired results.

the eMMC is a conference of churches holding to the Anabaptist-peace position with ministry in Canada, usA, Mexico, Belize, and Bolivia (www.emmc.ca). the successful applicant must be fully supportive of eMMC’s mission and vision and be prepared to sign the eMMC statement of faith.

please submit your confidential application/resume stating qualifications, experience, and statement of faith to the Moderator, eMMC, Box 52059, niakwa po, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5p9.

rEsErvE FEllowship Chapel (EMC), located in sioux valley (west-central Man.), seeks a full-time pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community.

The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part of sioux valley dakota nation, a community that has a Christian history going back to 1879. The congregation is located about 45 minutes from virden and Brandon.

a strong sense of God’s call and a love for people are required. direct inquiries to church planting coordinator ward parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emcward@mts.net.

steinBACH BiBle College invites applications for the position of director of development. the director of development implements the philosophy and long-term strategy of

shoulder tappingdevelopment that includes operational giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment development. the position is a full-time administrative position. salary is based on related experience.

the successful candidate will have a background in donor development or business experience, effective administrative and leadership skills, relational skills, and work toward CFRe certification. Candidate must be in agreement and sign the lifestyle statement and the statement of Faith of the college.

position to begin october 15, 2007, or as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

submit application with resume and cover letter to Rob Reimer, president, steinbach Bible College, 50 ptH 12 n, steinbach, MB R5G 1t4, e-mail rreimer@sbcollege.ca.

MCC ManiToBa invites applications for executive director, El’dad Ranch. El’dad ranch, located near steinbach, Man., is a faith-based program providing residential and vocational support services to men with intellectual disabilities, including some in conflict with the law. This is a full-time position open to salary or service worker support. application deadline is november 15, 2007.

all MCC workers are required to have a Christian faith, be actively involved in a Christian church, and have a personal commitment to non-violence and peacemaking.

For a job description, visit www.mcc.org. send application to Janelle siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or call 204-261-6381 for information.

MCC seeKs a resource generation network director for Akron, pA. the director gives leadership network of staff in MCC offices across Canada and the united states and coordinates the establishment of standards in fund-raising, setting goals, and building network capacities.

experience required in nonprofit fund-raising with excellent skills in communication and management. Candidates of a gender or ethnic group typically underrepresented are encouraged to apply. Contact Kathy Jackson at krj@mcc.org or 717-859-1151 for job description.

CaMp assiniBoia¸ headingley, Man., requires a manager, beginning in april 2008. Key attributes being sought include energy, effective communication and operational know-how. direct inquiries to director of Camping Ministries, Mennonite Church Manitoba, 200-600 shaftesbury Blvd., winnipeg, MB r3p 2J1, camps@mennochurch.mb.ca, 204-895-2267.

eMC BoARD of leadership and outreach seeks planters to start congregations in Canadian cities. the national office works with local churches and regions to envision, equip, and respond to these needs. Cities envisioned are Grande prairie, edmonton, Regina, Windsor, and london. Also needed are core families willing to be part of the church plants. together it can happen! Contact church planting ccordinator Ward parkinson at 204-326-6401, emcward@mts.net.

PAGE 16 THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference

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About 40 people gathered on the evening of September 14, 2007, at Steinbach EMC to recognize the conference-wide work of national office staff members Len Barkman

and Larry Eidse. Barkman and Eidse are moving on to other opportunities—with the word “retirement” avoided.

Len Barkman served as General Secretary from 2000 to 2007, relating to the General Board, Board of Missions, and (for much of that time) Board of Trustees. Larry Eidse served part-time since 2005 as Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

The evening’s event, held in the small chapel, was attended by those honoured and family members, national board members, and national office staff.

After punch, words of welcome and prayer were by EMC moderator Ron Penner. During the prayer Penner said “may we always be reminded of the opportunities all of us have to serve You faithfully.” Dinner was catered by Corinne Nickel of Steinbach EMC.

Near the start and close of the evening Fresh and Green (Steve Bell) and How Beautiful (Twyla Paris) were sang in duet by Wannetta Fast and Becky Buhler, accompanied by pianist Ruth Anne Peters—all national office workers.

Words of tribute were given to Len and Larry by Gordon Reimer (Board of Trustees), Ernie Loewen (Board of Missions), Terry Smith (on behalf of conference office staff), and the moderator.

The moderator presented Len with a card and a golf driver; Larry received a card with a restaurant gift certificate. When the moderator added that Len’s

card didn’t include a restaurant gift certificate, Barkman quipped that he was prepared to share Larry’s.

“It has been a good two years,” Larry Eidse said in response. “I have great respect for the people I’ve worked with, and deeply appreciate the fantastic job every member of the staff is doing.”

Eidse valued how quickly he was accepted by national office staff and made kind remarks about each of them. “David Thiessen, our conference pastor, also fills the role of pastoral care in the office,” he said. “He takes good care of us as the German shepherd of the little flock.”

Len Barkman gave thanks to God. He said, “So I have many very fond memories, and seven years is a good long time to be able to create memories, and to appreciate them, and I will carry those with me a long time.”

“I appreciate the trust that was put in me right from early on to carry out the work of the boards,” he said. He spoke positively of working with staff, pastors, missionaries, and with other organizations and agencies. “There has never been a dull moment that I can remember.”

Barkman said he “had some anxious thoughts” about finding a new General Secretary, “where I had doubted that we could ever find someone in June and have him in place by the end of August”—yet it happened.

Later in the evening the moderator invited Tim and Brenda Dyck to come forward. Tim, formerly with Wycliffe (in both Dallas and Calgary), began work as

EMC General Secretary on September 1. Dyck spoke favorably of EMC national office staff, of useful procedures in place, and of Len’s orientation.

Ernie Loewen closed in prayer: “Father God, we thank you that we had the opportunity to worship and to praise you tonight. We marvel at how you call ordinary people to do extraordinary ministries.”

Terry M. Smith

Barkman and Eidse honoured for conference-wide work

Moderator Ron Penner presented Len Barkman and Larry Eidse with gifts on behalf of the Conference. (photos by Becky Buhler)